CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Authorities have charged Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon with third-degree assault and battery for slapping a handcuffed suspect after a high-speed chase.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced that charge Tuesday night.

The charges carries a punishment of 30 days in jail or a $500 fine. Because Cannon has no previous record, he could continue to serve and enter pre-trial intervention.

The Associated Press left a message with the sheriff’s office seeking comment.

The incident involved a chase last Jan. 30 in which officers tried to apprehend Timothy McManus of Mount Pleasant. The pursuit continued 25 miles at speeds of up to 120 mph. After it was over, Cannon slapped the handcuffed McManus in the face.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)